Fin tube unit with protective corner plastic rails



Feb. 6, 1968 E. s. NELSON 3,367,411

FIN TUBE UNIT WITH PROTECTIVE CORNER PLASTIC RAILS Filed April 20, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I H62 INVENTOR. ELL/O7 5. NELSON ATTORN: Y.

Feb. 6, 1968 E. s. NELSON 3,367,411

FIN TUBE UNIT WITH PROTECTIVE CORNER PLASTIC RAILS Filed April 20, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ELL/O7 5. NLLSON A TTORNE Y.

United States Patent Office 3,367,411

Patented Feb. 6, 1968 3,367,411 FIN TUBE UNIT WITH PRGTECTKVE CGRNER PLASTIC RATLS Elliot S. Nelson, Westhury, N.Y., assignor to Embassy Industries, Inc, Farmingdale, N.Y. Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 539,004, Mar. 31, 1966. This application Apr. 20, 1966, Ser. No. 543,835

8 Claims. (Cl. 165--55) ABSTRACT OF THE DEQLUSURE This invention is directed to a fin tube unit comprising an elongated tube having a plurality of fins secured along the tube at spaced intervals longitudinally thereof. Each of the fins is arranged so that the respective corner portions thereof are disposed in alignment along the tube. A track formed of a readily resilient and penetrable material is extended along the aligned corner portions of the respective tins and the resilient track and fins are provided with complementary means to effect a mechanical interfitting connection the-rebetween for frictionally securing the track to the fins.

This application constitutes a continuation-in-part application of my co-pending patent application Ser. No. 539,004, filed Mar. 31, 1966.

This invention relates in general to a tin tube unit of a type which may be readily adapted for heating and/or cooling applications, but more commonly in baseboard radiation type heating installations.

This invention specifically is directed to an improved fin tube unit and protective track therefor of a kind disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,963,276.

Heretofore, and before the invention covered in US. Patent 2,963,276, considerable difiiculties had been encountered in the installation of fin tube units, such as employed for baseboard radiation applications due to the expansion and contraction thereof and of noise resulting therefrom. The difficulties encountered were more aggravated in relatively long units in which a plurality of fin tube segments were required to be joined together.

Generally, each unit segment comprises of an elongated tube of predetermined length on which a plurality of radiating fins were secured in longitudinally spaced relationship therealong. Support for such units was accomplished by simply resting the same on suitable support brackets spaced along the length thereof. Consequently, such units were supported with the metallic fin by resting in direct contact onto an arm portion of the bracket, which was also formed of metal, Consequently, during expansion and contraction of the fin tube unit, when placed in operation, resulted in a considerable amount of friction between the fin tube unit and the brackets on which the same was supported. As the fin tube unit and the brackets were formed of metallic material, the friction resulting therebetween due to the expansion and contraction of the fin tube unit resulted in a considerable amount of noise. Also, the expansion and contraction of the tube element relative to the fins connected there frequently caused some of the fins to loosen. When this occurred, the loosened fins would also create a further noise problem. The relative movement between the fin tube unit and the bracket supports further tended to damage or otherwise bend the marginal portions of the fins and thereby adversely effect the efficiency and/or heat transfer characteristics thereof. Consequently, relatively expensive and complicated bracket constructions had been heretofore conceived in an effort to minimize the problems due to expansion and contraction of such fin tube units, and of the noise resulting therefrom. Also, the

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known relatively complicated supports not only increased the initial cost of such installations, but it also resulted in increasing the time, effort and cost of installing such units.

To obviate these difiiculties, efforts have been made to provide the corner portions of the fins in such units with a protective track to prohibit rattle between individual fin spaced along the tube, and for protecting the fin tube unit from damage due to relative movement between the fin tube unit and its support brackets due to expansion and contraction thereof when placed in operation. Such etforts, as set forth in Patent No. 2,963,276, utilized specially constructed fins and track means to accomplish the portions of the fins and at the same time tie the fins in a desired result whereby the problems noted were obviated.

It is therefore an object of this invention to further simplify the tin tube unit and track therefor whereby resulting noise due to expansion and contraction is minimized.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fin tube unit in which the track is secured to the aligned corner portions of the fins in a relatively simple, expedient, economic and positive manner.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fin tube unit in which the corner portions of the respective fins are protected and tied together in a relatively simple and expedient manner.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fin tube construction having an improved track construction which extends along the respective fins to form a continuous protective covering for the respective corner portions thereof in which the track element is shaped to complement the shape of the fin corners so that the track can be readily secured to the respective fins by adhesive bonding.

It is another object of this invention to adhesively secure a deformable track to the corner portions of the fins by a suitable adhesive bond.

It is another object of this invention to frictionally secure a readily deformable track to the corner portions of fins spaced along a tubular member.

In accordance with this invention, the foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a fin tube unit comprising an elongated tube having longitudinally spaced therealong a plurality of similarly constructed fins. More specifically, the fins are formed as regular shaped members in which the respective corner portions thereof are defined by adjacent edges disposed at fixed angles relative to each other.

In accordance with this invention, an elongated track member formed of a flexible, and preferably non-metallic material is adhesively secured to the aligned corner portions of the respective fins.

In one form of the invention, the track comprises a member formed of a plastic strip having a pair of angularly disposed leg portions to define therebetween an angle complementing the fixed angle defined by the corner portions of the respective fins. The arrangement is such that the deformable strip or track is positioned with respect to the aligned corner portions of the fins so that the leg portions of the track embrace the adjacent edge portion of the fins at the corners. A suitable adhesive material or bonding agent is utilized to positively and adhesively secure the track to the corner portions of the respective fins of the fin tube unit.

In another form of the invention, the fin is provided with an inwardly and diagonally extending slot formed in each of the respective corner portions. Accordingly, the track is formed with an intermediate web portion adapted to be received in the notch in the respective corners of the fin. In this form of the invention, the adhesive bonding means or agent is utilized to secure the opposed surfaces of the web to the side edges of the slot in the corner portions of the respective fins of the fin tube unit.

In still another alternate arrangement, the track and fin are specifically constructed with respect to one another to define a friction fit or interconnection therebetween.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a fin tube unit in which the deformable track is utilized as being adhesively secured to the respective fins.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision that the track may be frictionally secured to the fins in a positive manner.

Another feature of this invention resides in the relative simplicity in which the deformable track is secured to the respective fins of the fin tube unit.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the specification and drawings in which,

FIGURE 1 is an end view of the improved fin tube unit and support therefor as constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a fin tube unit of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary corner portion of the fin and track construction to illustrate the connection of the track to the corner portion of the fin.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a modified corner and track assembly.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary corner portion of a fin and track construction in which the track is frictionally interconnected to the fin in accordance with this invention.

FIGURE 5A is a detail sectional view taken along line SA -SA on FIG. 5.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary corner portion of still another modified frictional interconnection of the track to the tin.

FIGURE 6A is a detail sectional view taken along line 6A-6A on FIG. 6.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary corner portion of yet another modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 7A is a sectional view taken along line 7A-7A.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a fin tube unit 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the fin tube unit 10 is of a type which is readily adapted for use as a baseboard heating device. However, it will be understood that the fin tube unit ma be readily adapted for other uses, e.g., cooling The fin tube unit 10 comprises a radiating section that includes a tube 11 of predetermined length having a plurality of fins 12 secured thereto at longitudinally spaced relationships therealong. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 12 are shown as being substantially rectangular in shape.

The support for the fin tube unit 10 comprises generally of a bracket or element 13 which is spaced at regular intervals along a suitable supporting surface 14 such as a wall or the like. The brackets or supports 13 comprise essentially of a suitable backing member 13A by which it is secured to a wall 14, and which back member 13A has connected thereto a laterally extending arm portion 13B to form the base or support on which the fin tube unit 10 rests. A plurality of such supports or bracket members 13 are longitudinally spaced along a suitable wall 14 to provide the necessary means for supporting an elongated fin tube unit.

The respective fins 12 as illustrated are substantially rectangular in shape, and each is provided with a central opening 15 through which the tube length 11 is extended. As best seen in FIG. 2 a collar 16 circumscribes the central opening 15 of the fin. This collar 16 is formed so that the free end 16A thereof is flared outwardly to permit the collar 16 to function as a stop or spacer against which the next adjacent fin 12 abuts. The collar 16 thus defines the means by which the spacing between adjacent fins 12 is maintained.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, it is to be noted that each of the respective corner portions of the fins 12 defines an angle formed by the adjacent sides. The corner angle of the fins illustrated is substantially As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fin construction comprises simply of a plane rectangular blank which is formed by a simple stamping and/or drawing operation from blank of material.

In accordance with this invention, a track 17 comprising an elongated member is extended along the respective corner portions of the fins 12 spaced along the tube length 11 to provide a protective cover therefor. Also, the track 17 functions as a buffer or contact between the fin tube unit 10 and its supporting bracket 13B as best seen in FIG. 1.

The track member 17 is preferably formed of any suitable flexible, and preferably non-metallic material, as for example a plastic strip or the like. In the illustrated form of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the track member 17 is formed as an angular member in which the respective leg portions 17A, 17B thereof are disposed at an angle shaped to complement the angle defined by the adjacent marginal edges of the fin 12 to which the track is fitted.

In the illustrated form of the invention of FIG. 3, it will be noted that the leg portions 17A, 17B of the track member 17 are disposed at substanially 90 with respect to one another. Also, it is to be noted that the respective leg portions 17A, 17B of the track member comprise a relatively flat surface which abuts against the adjacent marginal edge portions of the fin 12 at the corner thereof. The arrangement is such that in the assembled position, the leg portions 17A, 17B of the angle strip or track 17 is flush against the respective edge portions of the fins 12.

To effect a positive bond or connection between the track 17 and the respective fins 12, a suitable adhesive as for example, an epoxy type binder or cement 18 is employed. Accordingly, the epoxy binder, cement or adhesive 18 is applied to either or both the corner portions of the fin 12 or to the inner surfaces of the plastic strip 17 so that when the strip is applied to the corner portions of the fin and upon the setting of the epoxy or adhesive there is created a permanent bond between the track and the corner portions of the respective fins. Thus, a relatively simple and positive connection is established between the plastic track 17 and the fins 12. With the construction described, it will be noted that a relatively simple fin construction can be utilized in conjunction with a relatively simple track construction. Further, the attachment of the track 17 to the fins 12 is accomplished in a relatively simple manner. Once the epoxy or adhesive has set, the plastic strip or track 17 is positively secured to the corners of the fins. With the plastic strip or track 17 secured to the fins, the fin tube unit 10 when supported on the brackets 13 will actually rest on the leg portions of the plastic track which lie against the bottom edges of the fins 12. Thus, a complete absence of metal-to-metal contact is provided between the fin tube unit and the brackets supporting the same. As a result, a minimum of noise results during the expansion and contraction of the fin tube unit during operation.

Because the track further protects the corners of the fins, the track 17 prohibits the fins 12 from becoming bent or distorted. Also, the track 17 will function to further silence or dampen any sound or noise which would otherwise result from relative movement between the fins and tube in the event the expansion or contraction causes any of the fins to loosen.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a modified form of the invention. In this form of the invention, the fin construction 20 is substantially similar to that hereinbefore described with the exception that the corner portions of the fin is provided with a slot 21 which extends inwardly and diagonally of the fin. The track member 22 adapted to be secured to the fin construction of FIG. 4, is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 with the exception that a longitudinally extending web 23 is integrally formed intermediate the leg portions 22A, 22B of the track member 22. The web 23 thus bisects the angle defined by the respective leg portions 22A, 22B of the track '22. The width of the web is made slightly less than the width of the slot 21 defined in the corner portion of the fin so that the Web 23 in the assembled position of the track is readily fitted into the slot of the fin. To effect a permanent bond between the track 22 and each of the respective fins of the modified. embodiment, a suitable adhesive or epoxy binder 24 is utilized to effect a bond between the web and the adjacent edges of the slot 21. Thus, the setting of the bond or epoxy will create a permanent attachment between the track 22 and the fin 20.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive or epoxy material 24 is applied to the web 23 of the track only. However, it will be readily understood that, if desired, that the undersurface of the respective leg members 22A, 22B of the track may be also coated with an epoxy or adhesive material so that the respective leg portions may also be bonded to the adjacent edge portions of the fin in the manner described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3.

In all other respects, the modification of FIG. 4 is similar to that of FIG. 3.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the application of the track member 17 or 22 to the respective corner portions of the fins 12 or 20 is relatively simple, expedient, and positive. Once the bond material has set, it will function to create a permanent attachment between the track and the respective fins.

FIGURES 5 and 5A illustrate a fin which is constructed similar to fin 20 described with respect to the form of the invention illustrated by FIG. 4, and track 32 of FIG. 5 is similarly constructed to track 22 of FIG. 4. The distinction between the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 is that the relative dimensions or the width of slot 31 in FIG. 5 and the width of the track web 33 in FIG. 5 are such that the marginal edges of the slot 31 bite into the edges of the web 33 to define a positive frictional, inter-fitting connection therebetween. To achieve this, the width of web 33 is made slightly greater than the width of slot 31. Reference is made to FIG. 5A wherein the inter-engagement between the fin 30 and the web 33 of track 32 is best seen. In assembly, the web 33 of track 32 is force fitted into slot 31 whereby the inherent resiliency of the material of the web secures the track 32 of the fin 30.

FIGURES 6 and 6A illustrate another modified form of the invention. In this form of the invention, the corner portion of the fin 46 is provided with an arcuate notch 41. The track 42 comprises an angular member similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3 with the exception that a longitudinally extending bead 43 is formed at the juncture between the leg portions 42A and 42B of the track 42. As best seen in FIG. 6, the bead 43 at the junction of the respective leg portions of the track is provided with an arcuate cross section having a radius of curvature which is less than that of the notch 41 formed in the corner portion of the fin. Accordingly, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 6A, it will be noted that the track 42 when applied to the corner portions of the fin by the application of pressure causes the edge portion of the notch 41 to bite into the beaded portion 43 of the track. As a result, a frictional, interlocking engagement is had between the track and the corner portion of the fin as the biting of the edge of notch 41 into the resilient bead 43 of the track 42 will function to frictionally secure the track thereto.

FIGURE 7 illustrates another modification of the invention as described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 6. In this form of the invention, the respective fins 50 adjacent the corner portion thereof are each provided with an arcuate notch 51. As shown, each side of the fin is similarly constructed with such arcuate notch 51. While the form of the invention of FIG. 7 is illustrated with one arcuate notch 51 adjacent each corner, it will be understood and appreciated that a plurality of such arcuate notches may be disposed along the edges of the fins.

In'this form of the invention, a plastic cord or strip 52 is force fitted into the notches 51 of the fin 50. The arrangement is such that the sharp edges of the arcuate notches 51 formed along the edges of the fin will cut or bite slightly into the plastic cord, and thereby fasten the cord 52 by frictional engagement to the fins 50.

In the illustrated form of the invention, it is to be noted that the cord is dimensioned so that it will project beyond the edge of the fin. Accordingly, the protruding plastic cords define the rest on which the fin tube unit may rest when supported on the supporting wall brackets. The cord type track 52 thus functions to maintain the fins tied with respect to one another, while at the same time will minimize any wear between the fin tube and support brackets during the expansion and contraction thereof in operation. Also, since the fin tube unit will ride on the plastic cord tracks 52 extending beyond the edges of the fin 50, the resulting noise due to expansion and contraction is likewise minimized.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A fin tube unit comprising,

an elongated tube,

a plurality of fins secured to said tube at spaced intervals longitudinally of said tube,

each of said fins having their respective corner portions disposed in alignment along said tube,

a track formed of resilient flexible and readily penetrable material extending along the corner portions of the respective fins,

and means defining a mechanical interfitting connection with said track for fricitionally securing the track to each of said fins,

said latter means including a notch cut into the edge of the fins in the vicinity of the corner portion thereof, and said track having a solid portion thereof adapted to be received in said notch, and the thickness of the solid portion of said track received in said notch being greater than the width of the notch so that the inherent resiliency of the portion of the track received in said notch frictionally secures the track to said fin.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the edge portion of said notch tends to bite into the portion of the track received thereinto to enhance a mechanical interfitting connection therebetween.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said track comprises, a member having angularly disposed leg portions defining therebetween an angle complementing the angle defined by the respective corners of said fins, and said latter means including a notch extending inwardly of said fin and said track including a web extending longitudinally thereof between the angularly disposed leg portions thereof, said web being wider than the width of said notch whereby said web received within said notch frictionally retains the track to the fin.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said notch is defined as an elongated slot extending diagonally inwardly of said corner, and said web is dimensioned with a width which is slightly greater than the width of said 7 slot so that with the web press fitted into said slot, the inherent resiliency of said track material maintains said track to said fins.

5. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said notch is defined with an arcuate edge.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said track includes a longitudinally extending bead formed at the juncture of said leg portions, and said head being adapted to be press fitted into said arcuate notch.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said notch is spaced from the corner of said fins, and said track comprises a cord of resilient material having a portion thereof adapted to be received in said notch.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said the notch.

References Cited UNITED FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain.

EDWARD J. MICHAEL, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT A. OLEARY, Examiner.

cord has an external circumference greater than that of 15 1 JR" Assistant Examiner 

